
Sniper at the Carolina Panthers, there to protect fans.
Dallas Cowboys Dominate Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, 30-14
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Dallas Cowboys emerged victorious over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, securing a 30-14 win at a half empty Bank of America Stadium. With the victory, the Cowboys improved their record to 6-8, keeping their playoff hopes alive, while the Panthers fell to 3-11 in a season that continues to present challenges. The Panthers have their final home game of the season with the Arizona Cardinals coming to town. Then go on the road to play Tampa Bay and Atlanta. Once again, the Panthers are looking at possibly having the worst record in the NFL.
Offensive Highlights
- Cooper Rush Shines in Relief: Starting quarterback Cooper Rush stepped in for the injured Dak Prescott and delivered a strong performance. Rush completed 22 of 30 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns, providing the steady leadership Dallas needed on offense.
- CeeDee Lamb’s Milestone: Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb had another stellar outing, catching six passes for 116 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown. The game marked Lamb’s fourth consecutive season surpassing 1,000 receiving yards.
- Rico Dowdle’s Career Day: Running back Rico Dowdle carried the ball 22 times for a career-high 149 rushing yards, giving the Cowboys a balanced attack that kept the Panthers’ defense on its heels.

Defensive Dominance
- Turnover Trouble for Carolina: The Cowboys’ defense proved relentless, forcing three turnovers from Panthers’ rookie quarterback Bryce Young, including two interceptions and a fumble.
- Osa Odighizuwa Steps Up: Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa made a critical impact, recording a strip sack in the second quarter that was recovered by Dallas and turned into a touchdown.
Panthers’ Offensive Struggles
- Bryce Young’s Tough Outing: Bryce Young completed 19 of 31 passes for 219 yards and one touchdown but struggled under pressure, being sacked six times and committing multiple turnovers.
- Ground Game Stalled: The Panthers’ rushing attack was virtually nonexistent, with running back Chuba Hubbard limited to just 32 yards on 10 carries.
A Controversial Call
In the second quarter, a controversial unnecessary roughness penalty was called on Panthers’ safety Xavier Woods after a hit on CeeDee Lamb. The call drew criticism, with many analysts questioning whether the hit warranted a penalty. The decision gave Dallas additional yardage, setting up a scoring drive.

Gamecocks Invade Bank of America Stadium
In the December 15, 2024, game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Carolina Panthers, several former South Carolina Gamecocks were on the field:
Dallas Cowboys:
- Rico Dowdle: As the starting running back, Dowdle had a standout performance, rushing for a career-high 149 yards on 22 carries.
- Israel Mukuamu: Playing as a safety, Mukuamu contributed to the Cowboys’ defensive efforts, including securing an interception.
Carolina Panthers:
- Jaycee Horn: Starting at cornerback, Horn was active in the Panthers’ secondary, recording multiple tackles and a pass breakup.
- D.J. Wonnum: Lining up as a defensive end, Wonnum applied pressure on the Cowboys’ offense, contributing to the defensive front.
- Xavier Legette: As a wide receiver, Legette was involved in the Panthers’ passing game, making several receptions. No raccoon sightings were noticed.
Looking Ahead
The Cowboys, rejuvenated by the win, remain in the hunt for a playoff berth and will look to build on this momentum in their next game. Meanwhile, the Panthers face tough questions about their offense and protection of their rookie quarterback as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
As for the Panther fans, most did not attend, as the stadium was filled with Dallas Cowboy fans. The Panthers take on the Arizona Cardinals. Ticket prices on Ticketmaster start at $30.25.
Stay tuned to CC News Network for continued coverage of the Panthers’ season and the latest updates from around the NFL.
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